Rützler, K.; Richardson,S. (1996). The Caribbean spicule tree : a sponge-imitating foraminifer (Astrorhizidae). Bulletin de l'Institut royal des Sciences naturelles de Belgique. 66 suppl. : 143- 151.

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Rützler, K.; Richardson,S.

1996

66 suppl. : 143- 151

Publication

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An unusually large agglutinated foraminifer was found to be common in semishaded habitats on Caribbean coral reefs. The tree-shaped organism attains 50mm in height and builds its test using siliceous sponge spicules exclusively. A new genus and species Spiculidendron corallicollum, are established in the Textulariina family Astrorhizidae. The new taxon is characterized by a complexly branching tubular test that is attached to hard substrate and has a simple wall lacking septae and apertures. Electron microscopy shows a spongin-like organic cement and various cell organelles and inclusions, including dinophycean symbionts. Cytoplasm resides in substrate cavities and in the hollow base of stem and branches that form the test. Observations suggest that in life cytoplasm flows also outside the test along its thin distal branches where it cements new spicules in place and takes up food (pseudopodia).

Caribbean region

Systematics, Taxonomy

Foraminifera

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